Page 36 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“I’m sure your husband has never forgotten you, Barb,” Liam’s voice dipped. “Just circumstances and duty got in the way of him getting back to you and his family.”
Barb looked at him, alarmed, as she felt he was once again speaking from the heart, like he was apologizing for having left Barb and their children. Was he hoping she’d forgive and forget? Her eyes locked with his, and she saw rawpain in them.
“Barb, we have to talk,” Liam said, leaning forward. “You have to know the…”
He was interrupted by a knock on the door. Barb frowned and spun around, looking at the door.
“Excuse me,” Barb said, standing and going to the door. She opened it and found a messenger with a big bunch of colorful roses. “Hello.”
“Hi, the man said, are you Miss Barb Gardener?”
“I am,” Barb said, smiling, looking at the flowers.
“These are for you,” the man said. “Could you please sign here?”
Barb nodded and signed, taking the flowers. “Thank you.” The man left, and she closed the door, walking back inside and going to the kitchen to see if there was anything she could use as a vase.
“Flowers?” Liam’s eyes darkened with emotion for a moment. “Who are they from?”
“Not sure,” Barb said, finding a jug that she filled with water and putting the flowers in before taking the card attached to it and opening it.
I hope Charlotte is feeling okay and that you get some rest.
“And?” Liam asked, his eyes narrowing. “Who are they from?”
Barb shrugged, frowning. “I don’t know. There’s no name.”
“What does the card say?” Liam asked a little gruffly.
“I don’t think that’s any ofyourbusiness,” Barb pointed out, taking the roses to the coffee table and putting them on it. She slipped the card into the pocket of her pants before turning to Liam. “Actually, Liam. I really need to have a shower and get half an hour's sleep while Charlotte’s down.” She glanced at the monitor to see her baby still sleeping soundly. “Can we pick this uplater?”
A muscle ticked at the side of Liam's jaw, but he smiled stiffly and started walking toward the door, just as there was another knock on it.
“Good grief!” Barb rolled her eyes. “It’s like a circus in here today.” She pulled the door open to find Zac standing there.
“Hello, Barb,” Zac said, something in his eyes made her frown. “Is my brother here?”
“Yes, I’m here,” Liam came up behind Barb. “Is everything okay?”
Zac nodded and looked at Barb before glancing behind him. “Do you mind if I come inside? I need to talk tobothof you.”
“I was just leaving so Barb can get some rest,” Liam told him. “Can it wait until we come back here later?”
“No,” Zac said, shaking his head and walking into the living room, Liam and Barb following him. “I’m afraid this can’t wait.”
“What’s wrong?” Barb asked, starting to become worried by the look on Zac’s face.
“My memories have returned!” He looked at Liam and Barb. “Allof them.”
CHAPTER 11
Liam
Liam stared at his brother in disbelief as tiny waves of shock zapped through him. He’d really wanted to have spoken to Barb before this happened. Liam had a feeling that his brother was starting to remember.
“Everything?” Liam asked his brother.
“Yes,” Zac said, nodding and looking at his brother. His eyes were shadowed. “I’m so sorry, little brother, for what I’ve put you through.” He turned to Barb. “I’m incredibly sorry for everything I’ve putyouthrough, Barb. Courtney told me you have a daughter?”
